Anhui Conference - Ecology

Dr. Michael P. Weinstein, a Senior Scientist in the Center for Natural Resources Development and Protection, participated in a week-long conference in Anhui Province, People’s Republic of China entitled Gathering Global Intelligence to Accelerate Development - Foreign Experts Travelling to Anhui and the Yangtze-Huaihe River Region’ Specialized in Urban and Rural Ecological Construction. The event was hosted by the People’s Government of Anhui Province and State Administration of Foreign Expert Affairs (SAFEA). Invited participants also included two scientists from Germany, two scientists from Singapore, and the Director of Environmental, Health, Safety and Risk Management at CUNY in Manhattan.

High ranking Chinese personnel including the mayors of three provincial cities attended the conference. The scientists visited a modern power plant, sewage treatment plant, industrial park, poultry processing plant, and several provincial parks. As part of the venue, a two day symposium was held in Hefei where the visiting scientists presented their current research. The overall goal of the site visits, symposium and lengthy discussions was to address urban and rural ecology issues, and sustainable development. “Ecology” was a central theme and the Chinese officials emphasized their desire to recognize the importance of preservation and protection of natural resources during rapid ongoing development. Dr. Weinstein noted to the gathering of officials, however, that the central theme of what was being discussed was “ecology for people” rather than “ecology for ecosystems with people as an integral part”. Accordingly, much of the discussion revolved around this important difference, and it was the consensus of the scientists that the message was heard. The experts prepared a summary report of their findings and recommendations for the government officials.